With the European Championship and Copa America now completed, now seems like a good time to take an early look at the 2024/25 Premier League title race.
Manchester City are bookmakers’ favourites to claim top spot for the fifth successive season and it is difficult to argue with that view.
Odds of 11/10 are a fair reflection of their chances and will likely attract plenty of interest from sports bettors before the season starts.
Punters may even try to boost their bankroll at crypto casino UK ahead of the big kick-off to increase the size of their wagers on City.
Pep Guardiola’s side have repeatedly hit the jackpot in recent years and are a good bet to deliver another winning return to bettors this season.
However, several clubs will head into the upcoming campaign with genuine hopes of knocking City off their perch. Read on as we take a closer look.
City will be tough to beat
The reigning champions are chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title next season, and it would be no surprise if they achieved the feat.
Their squad is loaded with world-class players who know what it takes to withstand the rigours of a Premier League title battle.
With the club likely to enter the transfer market this summer, City are guaranteed to mount an extremely strong bid to defend their crown.
Manager Pep Guardiola’s tactical acumen sets him apart from other top-flight bosses, and he should enjoy another productive campaign with the club.
Arsenal have a point to prove
Arsenal have also been quiet during the summer transfer window, although several incomings are expected over the next few weeks.
Their addition to the ranks should boost the Gunners’ chances of making it third time lucky after finishing second in each of the last two seasons.
However, with City also expected to make quality signings this summer, the London club may end up disappointed for the third year in a row.
They have shown signs of mental fragility over the past couple of seasons and may crumble again when the heat is on next term.
Liverpool hoping there is life after Klopp
Liverpool will embark on a new era this season with former Feyenoord manager Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp in the dugout.
It is unclear how things will change under Slot as the club are yet to make any noteworthy moves in the transfer market this summer.
Slot will be under pressure to hit the ground running at Liverpool, but his record in the Netherlands suggests he is well-equipped to handle the task.
If Liverpool can improve a couple of key positions this summer, they could emerge as the City’s main title rival next season.
Man United fancied to be the best of the rest
Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are expected to challenge for a top-four finish, and the Red Devils are fancied to win that mini-battle.
The Red Devils are close to completing deals for several players this summer, and these would boost their top-four hopes.
Chelsea and Tottenham have already been busy during the transfer window, but both clubs still have sizeable issues to address in their respective squads.
On that basis, United will probably be best placed to force their way into the top four and could even mount a title challenge if everything clicks into place.